Technology Education

 

CORE ELECTIVES

 

DESIGN/BUILD 1: 9, 10, 11, 12   5 credits

Design/Build 1 is a project-based, design-based course that focuses on the realm of design—requiring the thought and application of art, science, and technology. An emphasis is placed on developing spatial and visualization skills, as well as prototyping and building skills. Students who have an interest in architecture, construction trades, interior design, industrial design, engineering, environmental science, agriculture, resource management, or who simply like to work with the hands and mind should consider taking this course. Students will gain an understanding of the relationships between what we build and its impact upon the natural world and human communities. Because design is inherently trans-disciplinary this course integrates mathematics, art, natural science, and social science.

 

DESIGN/BUILD 2: 10, 11, 12   5 credits

PREPARATION: Successful completion of Design/Build 1

Design/Build 2 is a continuation of Design/Build 1. Design of the environment forms and the basis of understanding human habitation and its impact on the natural world. Students learn the fundamentals of building systems and gain an understanding of structural systems, enclosure systems, and mechanical and environmental systems. Emphasis is placed on passive, regenerative and zero impact systems. Additionally, students will design buildings in the context of a site and a cultural setting. Computer Aided Design (CAD) techniques as well as conventional design and model-building techniques are used to investigate design solutions and communicate design intent. Building and prototyping are used to implement design ideas into tangible forms.

 

DESIGN/BUILD 3: 11, 12 5 credits

PREPARATION: Successful completion of Design/Build 2

Design/Build 3 is a continuation of Design/Build 2. Students gain an in-depth understanding of building materials, building construction, building efficiency and performance through building modeling, prototyping, and simulation. Techniques in Building Information Modeling (BIM) are utilized to assess building materials and methods, and life cycle impacts. Energy modeling, passive solar modeling, life cycle analysis are used to optimize building design and minimize, reduce or eliminate ecological impacts. As in Design/Build 2, Building and prototyping are used to implement design ideas into tangible forms.